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Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers - Education Modules

When saying what I said did not mean what I really meant to say: A Female Perspective

Author: Cheryl E. Gies, DPN, APRN, CNP

Did you know that most caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are women?
Personal reasons ranging from love to guilt are why women say they become caregivers.
As a woman, you spend most of your day doing care work, dealing with changes in your
loved one's health and behavior and taking on added responsibilities as their ability
to function and communicate declines. This is hard work and puts you at risk for strain,
depression and health problems.

AD changes your loved one's ability to communicate. They have difficulty giving a
clear message to you and understanding a message from you. This can lead to frustration
for both of you. You may feel sad, tense or angry and your loved one may become agitated
and even aggressive. This type of behavior can be emotionally and physically difficult
for you. Dealing with the communication and related behavior problems of your loved
one with AD is difficult and stressful for you.

This module offers tips for dealing with some common communication problems identified
when caring for loved ones with AD. Hopefully you will find some of these resources
helpful.